Korean Star PSY Investigated for Prescription Rule Violations; Agency Denies Misuse

South Korean pop sensation PSY, the global face behind the viral hit Gangnam Style, is reportedly under police investigation for alleged irregularities involving prescription medications. The probe has placed renewed attention on prescription laws in South Korea, especially concerning drugs with high dependency risks.

According to reports from Yonhap News, Seoul’s Seodaemun Police Station conducted a search and seizure operation at PSY’s agency, P Nation, on December 4. Authorities are said to be investigating whether the rapper received restricted medications—specifically Xanax and Stilnox—without undergoing mandatory in-person medical consultations. These drugs, commonly prescribed for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, fall under South Korean regulations that require face-to-face evaluation due to their high potential for misuse.

The investigation reportedly extends to a university hospital professor suspected of prescribing the medications in violation of standard procedures. Police allege that prescriptions may have been issued without PSY physically meeting the doctor, and that intermediaries—including a manager—might have collected the medications on his behalf.

P Nation confirmed that the agency had cooperated fully with law-enforcement authorities during the raid. In its statement, the label said, “We fully complied with the authorities’ request and will continue to follow all legal procedures as needed.”

Agency denies wrongdoing, says PSY was under medical supervision

Representatives for PSY strongly refuted suggestions of illegal prescription activity. They clarified that the singer has long suffered from chronic sleep disorders and has been receiving ongoing treatment under licensed medical professionals. “There was no instance of proxy prescriptions. All medications were prescribed under PSY’s name and for legitimate medical reasons,” the agency emphasised.

P Nation added that PSY began using remote medical consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic—widely permitted at the time—and continued the practice afterward due to an extremely demanding work schedule. While acknowledging “a degree of negligence” in continuing online consultations even after pandemic restrictions lifted, the agency stressed that no medication was misused and no prescription was obtained unlawfully.

The hospital linked to the allegations declined to comment, citing the active investigation. The doctor involved reportedly stated that the remote consultations were “conducted according to medical standards” and within the permissible scope of treatment.

PSY, whose 2012 megahit Gangnam Style became the first YouTube video to cross 1 billion views, has maintained a powerful presence in the entertainment industry both as an artist and as the founder of P Nation. As the investigation unfolds, the global music community is watching closely, awaiting clarity on whether this case indicates a procedural lapse or deeper regulatory concerns within South Korea’s medical system.